Zimbabwe Begins Upgrading Parirenyatwa Hospital to Global Standards

Renovation work has commenced at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, focusing on Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital and Adlam House, a residence for student nurses, as part of a government push to upgrade Zimbabwe’s public health infrastructure.

This development follows President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s inspection visits to both Parirenyatwa and Sally Mugabe Central Hospitals, prompted by growing public concern over the deteriorating state of the country’s healthcare facilities.

In the aftermath of the visits, presidential spokesperson George Charamba admitted that many public hospitals were in a state of disrepair, citing collapsing infrastructure, gaps in health policy, and overwhelming demand on limited resources.

Subsequently, a private company contracted and financed by the government began restoration works at Parirenyatwa Hospital.

During a recent tour of the facility, Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed that the government intends to transform the hospital into a modern, world-class institution.

He said repairs were underway at both Adlam House, which had suffered damage to roofing, ceilings, flooring, water supply, and sewer systems, and at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, which also requires extensive refurbishment.

“Renovations have started at Adlam House and Mbuya Nehanda. The maternity wing had to be temporarily cleared of some patients to allow work to progress,” Mombeshora explained.

He added that preliminary evaluations were being carried out to prepare a detailed strategy for upgrading the main hospital block. The work will be done in stages to avoid completely shutting down the facility.

“We cannot give a specific timeline yet because assessments are still ongoing,” he said. “But we aim to deliver a hospital that meets international standards, with brand-new equipment, including beds, surgical instruments, X-ray machines, and CT scanners—all in full working order when the revamped facility opens.”

Despite this initiative, critics say the government has historically underfunded the health sector, resulting in decaying hospital infrastructure, drug shortages, high treatment costs, demotivated staff, and widespread emigration of skilled healthcare workers.